Analytical Chemist Review

I enjoyed my placement very much. I have had the opportunity to learn more around my degree subject in an industrial environment and utilised industry experts to broaden my knowledge. I would definitely come back to work at GSK and they have made me want to work within the pharmaceutical industry.

I was accepted into my department very easily and everyone is very helpful and friendly. I feel like the work I do within the company is valued by my colleagues and they understand what I am doing and how this will help progress forward my current project. This helped me settle in easy and feel part of the team.

My supervisor is always open to answering my questions or helping consolidate any knowledge that I may not know. He has trained me up to be a competent analyst and I feel I have progressed a lot due to his guidance. This reflects in the full department as everyone is very willing to help.

I was embedded on a project and was given the work and responsibility of a full time employee. this helped me develop my skills and learn how to plan and organise my work appropriately. Sometimes there may be too much work but this is definitely much better than having too little work.

My supervisor gradually gave me more and more responsibility throughout the year as he felt I was becoming confident in my work. I demonstrated that I was competent in my work and therefore I was trusted to do challenging work packages that I may not have been able to do if I was not given the responsibility I did.

I learned a lot of analytical knowledge that will stand me in good stead next year for my final year. Also networking with experts in industry I have certainly gained good contacts that I can speak to about problems that may be outwith my ability. I certainly have became a more confident analyst during my time at GSK.

Everyone is very busy doing their work but it is a very relaxed atmosphere where there is always going to be someone there to help you if needed. There is the right balance between working and fun which I think helped me settle in easier and get on well with people.

Very organised. The expectations of my placement year were set out and the start and the plan was there to progress. I think that this structured plan definitely helped my development and allowed me to maybe try things that I may not have been able to try if there was no plan.

The company gave me the training that a full time employee would have got given. There was opportunities for development days and other courses that I was allowed to go on without any problem. They were very relaxed at letting me attend these things and they wanted to make sure that I was being developed.

I have applied to a graduate job at the company that I was recommended for. There is a girl within my department that has had her contract extended. I think there is scertainly the idea that GSK want to retain their students and there is help given to make this happen.

Yeah absolutely, there are a lot of placement students at my site that regularly do thing. People in my department are also sociable and do things outside work. It is a very friendly environment.

Cost of living is expensive but it is near London so that is understandable. I think the socialising aspect is the same as everywhere, it depends on how you normally socialise and what costs these bring. There is certainly and opportunity to do things without spending a lot of money

Nightlife is ok, there are lots of pubs and a few clubs to go to. I wouldn't say they are poor but I am used to living in a city so not really what I am used to. I have grown to like them though and normally find myself there most weekends.

Yes, I play with a local football team and I did that through meeting people from work that also play football. There is a lot of opportunity to do things if you are prepared to make the effort. The more people you meet the more opportunity there is to get involved in things.